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Bring the kids to “the lake” this weekend

Looking for a piece of summer? Visit the Toronto International Boat Show

I remember as a kid being dragged around the boat show. Don’t get me wrong—it was always exciting, for the first few hours anyway, and I did look forward to the snacks: things like caramel corn and massive pretzels that were in other locations not really considered food. It was also pretty cool to poke around with my brother inside those boats that were more like houses. Houses with pockets and cupboards for every nautical or household essential (Where are the cups? Why, in the cup cupboard, of course!), houses like Barbie‘s camper van where everything goes presto-change-o! and the dining room table or couch turns into a bed. It was all a bit magical and yet Type-A, in a Mary Poppins kind of way.

Those big boats are still there, but there are a bunch of other kid-friendly activities if you find yourself looking for a taste of summer in the middle of January.

Some of the highlights for kids include free wakeboarding lessons and demonstrations, paddle-boating for kids, and fishing, kayaking, canoeing for the family. Plus, don’t miss a chance to hear Abby Sunderland—the youngest person ever to sail solo around Cape Horn at age 16, and almost the youngest person to sail around the world (that’s her brother Zac, who will also be there)—and Duma the waterskiing dog (yes, this Jack Russell Terrier not only waterskiis, but drives her owner’s boat too!). Check out the full list of features.